French journalist specializing in Tunisia, Nicolas Beau , wrote on Wednesday that the former Tunisian President Ben Ali , who left the country on January 14 under pressure from the streets and found refuge in Saudi Arabia, "has been the victim of a stroke and rushed to the hospital in Jeddah. The former head of state was admitted to this institution which treats Saudi princes under a false identity for security reasons. His condition is believed to be worrying " , he wrote in his blog .

Also according to the sources of the French journalist in Tunis, Ben Ali is in a coma. Ill for several years, the Tunisian dictator had been depressed following his forced departure from Tunisia. "His wife, Leila Trabelsi , is no longer at his side " , says Nicolas Beau.

Another diplomatic source said: "Ben Ali has fallen into coma on February 15 afternoon. From what we know, his condition is critical, but the best doctors in the kingdom has been sent to help ' . " The diplomat said that "the new acting president in Tunisia is also aware of the situation and follows the events hour by hour " .